Goodenia geniculata
bent goodenia
Overview
Goodenia geniculata is a low, spreading perennial herb forming a basal rosette 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) high and spreading 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) across by short stems. The leaves are oblong to spoon-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, green, and clustered near the base, sometimes with shallow teeth. Yellow flowers about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across are carried on slender stalks that bend sharply near the base. Each flower has five lobes arranged in a fan shape typical of the family. Flowering runs from spring into summer. Small capsules follow, releasing seed near the parent plant. Growth is low and mat-forming, with plants knitting together over one to two seasons. Top growth may die back in drought and reshoot from the rootstock after rain. The low habit means the flowers sit just above the foliage rather than on tall stems.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Grows in grassland, open woodland, and heath in sandy or loamy well-drained soils, often in seasonally moist depressions.Suggested Uses
Used as a low groundcover in rockeries, native gardens, and the front of borders, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. Suits low-water and meadow-style plantings on well-drained soil. The low rosette habit limits its visual height in mixed beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from spring into summer (September to January in its native range), with the main display in spring. Individual flowers last a few days, and the plant produces flowers in succession over several weeks. Flowering is heavier after a wet winter and spring.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in sandy or loamy, well-drained soils. Water during establishment in the first season; established plants tolerate dry spells and die back in extended drought. Tolerates light to moderate frost. Spreads slowly to form a low mat and can be lifted and divided in autumn. Few pests are recorded. Trim lightly after flowering to keep the rosette compact and remove spent stalks.Pruning
Trim spent flower stalks and any untidy growth after the main flowering flush. Cut back lightly in late winter to refresh the rosette before new growth. No structural pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons